Developing Senses: Weeks 22 to 25 of Pregnancy

-By week 22, your baby weighs a full pound and will double in size in the next 4 weeks. Her lungs are developing rapidly and they will begin making a protein called surfactant which allows them to inflate without collapsing and deflate without sticking together. Vocal chords are fully developed at this point and your baby can really hiccup now. Your baby isn't bald anymore. There is some hair on her head which is most likely white because the pigment that gives it color hasn't been made yet. Her brain and hearing are move developed this week and she's beginning to recognize your voice. She can also hear what is going on inside your body including your heart beating and your stomach gurgling until now your baby's nostrils have been plugged to keep the amniotic fluid out of her nose. Her nostrils are opening now for practice breathing. She will go through the same motions of real breathing but inhale amniotic fluid instead of air. This process helps the development of her lungs and the muscles she needs to breath. Your baby is also busy practicing sucking her thumb. She is developing a firm grasp and may reach out and grab the umbilical cord. She can stick out her tongue and may even lick the umbilical cord while she has it in her hand.